A Sophisticated Kitchen Renovation: Transforming What Was Already There

Updating What Was Already There

Our client wanted to keep her existing cabinetry, so the layout of the kitchen remained the same. However, we wanted to elevate the look of the space so that it reflected the modern, sophisticated design we were creating throughout the rest of the first floor.

I began by eliminating some of the features that were really dating the kitchen:

• Removed the existing pendant lights and the low ceiling fan
• Eliminated the architectural ceiling feature over the peninsula
• Replaced the textured ceilings with a smooth plaster finish
• Added recessed and undercabinet lighting
• Simplified some of the existing cabinetry trim
• Replaced the undersized crown molding with one better proportioned to the cabinetry

Individually, these may seem like small changes. But together, they gave the kitchen a cleaner, more updated foundation for the rest of the design.

One of the Biggest Transformations: Color

Paint gave us an opportunity to completely transform the existing cabinetry without replacing it.

We painted all of the cabinetry a beautiful slate blue that coordinated with the rest of my design for the first floor. The rich color gave the existing cabinetry a completely new look and dramatically changed the feeling of the entire kitchen.

Balancing Design with Function

Since we were replacing all of the countertops, we also discussed eliminating the two-level countertop on the peninsula. In the end, however, my client really loved the function of the two levels, so we decided to keep them.

This is always an important part of the design process: creating a beautiful space while also considering how our clients actually live.

For the new countertops, we selected quartz and extended the same material onto the backsplash. This gave us the sleek, contemporary look we wanted while also creating a practical, easy-to-maintain backsplash surface for our client.

Bringing the Kitchen Together

Of course, the wall and trim colors were updated as well. We selected new appliances, replaced the sink and faucet, and added new stools at the peninsula to complete the space.

Although we did not replace the cabinetry or change the layout of this kitchen, these updates completely refreshed the space while creating a cohesive design that connected beautifully with the rest of the first floor.

I am so happy to say that my clients loved the result of their kitchen renovation.

Big Results from Thoughtful Changes

We didn’t change everything during this project, and we didn’t need to. Instead, we focused on thoughtful changes that would have a big impact on the space.

This kitchen is a wonderful example of how good design isn’t always about starting over. By working with the cabinetry and layout our client already loved and updating the elements around them, we created a space that feels completely new.

Until next time,

Gia